Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Styrene Monomer (SM) is a colorless, oily, volatile organic liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor, produced by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. It is one of the world’s most important commodity petrochemicals, acting as the foundational monomer for an immense family of polymers. Its primary application is in the production of Polystyrene (GPPS, HIPS, EPS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) copolymers, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), and Styrene-Butadiene rubber (SBR).
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Polymer Grade (Inhibited with TBC) | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Styrene Purity | ≥ 99.85 | wt% |
| Ethylbenzene | ≤ 0.05 | wt% |
| Aldehydes (as Benzaldehyde) | ≤ 0.01 | wt% |
| Polymer Content | ≤ 5 | ppm |
| Color (Pt-Co) | ≤ 10 | APHA |
| TBC Inhibitor Content | 10 – 15 | ppm |
| Density at 20°C | 0.904 – 0.908 | g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index (nD²⁰) | 1.544 – 1.546 | – |
3. Features & Benefits
Highest Purity for Polymerization: The >99.85% purity ensures predictable reaction kinetics and produces high-clarity, high-molecular-weight polymers without unwanted cross-linking.
Stabilized for Safe Storage: The precise addition of TBC inhibitor prevents thermal runaway polymerization during transport and bulk storage, ensuring absolute safety.
Superior Copolymerization Reactivity: Exhibits near-ideal reactivity ratios with acrylonitrile, butadiene, and acrylates, enabling the precise engineering of copolymer glass transition temperatures (Tg).
Low Color Precursors: The extremely low aldehyde and polymer content guarantees a water-white final polymer product, critical for transparent applications.
Global Logistics Capability: Arnico manages the complex logistics of this temperature and time-sensitive molecule, ensuring the inhibitor remains active upon delivery.
4. Industrial Applications
Polystyrene Production: The sole monomer for General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) for packaging, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) for appliance liners, and Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) for insulation.
Engineering Plastics: The “S” component in ABS and SAN copolymers used in automotive, electronics, and construction.
Composite & Marine Industries: The reactive diluent and monomer in Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) for fiberglass boats, bathtubs, and chemical storage tanks.
Synthetic Rubber & Latex: The primary monomer for producing Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), the material of modern car tires.
5. Safety & Handling
MSDS: This product is a highly flammable, toxic liquid. It is an irritant and a suspected carcinogen. The full MSDS is provided by Arnico.
Storage Conditions: Must be stored strictly below 25°C in well-ventilated, nitrogen-purged tanks. TBC level must be tested every 2 weeks, as it is consumed by oxygen. Store away from heat, sparks, and initiators.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A full-face respirator with an organic vapor cartridge, PVA/Viton gloves, and a chemical-resistant suit are mandatory for all handling and sampling.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico provides a dedicated Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every shipment of Styrene Monomer, specifying purity, aldehyde content, and active TBC level, along with a safe storage and re-inhibition expiry date.
